ES1312284U - Folding scooter (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable scooter comprising a body (1) and a handlebar (7), where the handlebar (7) is connected to the body (1) of the scooter in correspondence with a proximal end of the handlebar (7), and where the handlebar (7) comprises a handle (5) in correspondence with a distal end of the handlebar (7), where the scooter comprises a first wheel (3) arranged in correspondence with the proximal end of the handlebar (7), where the scooter is characterized in that it comprises a rear module (13), where the rear module (13) comprises a second wheel (3) of the scooter, where the rear module (13) is configured to move along a rail of the body (1) of the scooter, according to a longitudinal direction of the body of the scooter, between a retracted arrangement with respect to the body (1) of the scooter and an extended arrangement with respect to the body (1) of the scooter, where the distance between the axes of the wheels (3) is minimal in the retracted arrangement of the rear module (13) and ... (3) is maximum in the extended arrangement of the rear module (13) with respect to the body (1) of the scooter. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Folding scooter

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a foldable scooter, preferably a foldable electric scooter, with a high compactness capacity, but allowing an autonomy and handling equal to or greater than the models on the current market, maintaining the possibility of adjusting the dimensions of the wheels to the standard 21 inches and allowing a competitive battery size.

By folding the scooter, you can adjust the length of the scooter and the angle of the handlebars and grip, allowing for a comfortable and ergonomic riding position, as well as a great compact capacity for transporting the scooter (either for manual transport or for transport in a trunk or luggage rack).

The folding scooter, object of the present invention, is of special application in the industry dedicated to the development of solutions that improve mobility, especially mobility in urban environments, as well as in the industry dedicated to the design, manufacture and marketing of foldable and ergonomic means of transport.

Background of the invention and technical problem to be solved

Currently, according to data from the Spanish Federation of Personal Mobility Vehicles, there are more than 700,000 electric scooters in Spain alone, and the rate at which they are expanding suggests that they may soon reach and exceed one million units sold (Source: RACE).

There are many scooter manufacturers and, in the Industrial Designs registers of the OEPM, the following designs are known, for example:

- D0529343-03 (from the applicant TEAMSTONE HISPANIA S.A.);

- D0507728-01 (from the applicant JAIME JORDI FONT OLIVO);

- D0526185-01 (from the applicant PABLO OSCAR MARIN CAMPOSECO).

Among the Industrial Designs mentioned above, unique and singular characteristics can be observed, such as the use of two front wheels to increase the stability of the user (D0529343-03), the inclusion of a seat to increase the comfort of the user and make the vehicle look like a motorcycle (D0507728-01) or including the possibility of enclosing the product to protect the driver from rain and environmental adverse conditions (D0526185-01).

In all known scooter designs, and despite the variety of solutions that each of them proposes, a lack of compactness has been observed to a degree sufficient to allow the scooter to be folded and transported comfortably and without bulk in small spaces such as the trunk of a vehicle with little available space, or in public transport when it is highly occupied and the available space (both the space for storage in the luggage rack and the space to move between passengers) is scarce.

Description of the invention

In order to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention relates to a foldable scooter.

The foldable scooter, object of the present invention, comprises a body and a handlebar, where the handlebar is connected to the body of the scooter in correspondence with a proximal end of the handlebar, and where the handlebar comprises a handle in correspondence with a distal end of the handlebar, where the scooter comprises a first wheel (or front or frontal wheel) arranged in correspondence with the proximal end of the handlebar.

In a novel manner, the foldable scooter object of the present invention comprises a rear module, where the rear module comprises a second wheel (or rear or rear wheel) of the scooter, where the rear module is configured to move along a rail of the body of the scooter, according to a longitudinal direction of the body of the scooter (that is, according to a main direction of travel or a driving direction of the scooter), between a retracted arrangement with respect to the body of the scooter and an extended (or deployed) arrangement with respect to the body of the scooter, where the distance between the axes of the wheels is minimum in the retracted arrangement of the rear module and where the distance between the axes of the wheels is maximum in the extended arrangement of the rear module with respect to the body of the scooter.

Thanks to this configuration, the folding scooter object of the present invention allows the distance between the wheel axles to be adjusted. This possibility not only allows for increased ergonomics and adaptation of the scooter to different users, but also for achieving a greater degree of compactness when the scooter is folded.

Preferably, the rear module of the scooter comprises a handle configured to lock or unlock at least one pin arranged in the rear module of a locking structure of the body of the scooter. This mechanism allows the wheelbase to be adjusted in a comfortable manner for the user, ensuring that the chosen position is correctly fixed and/or locked.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rear module comprises side platforms configured to support the user's feet. This feature allows for great comfort and ergonomics when driving the scooter, since the user can rest his feet on the platforms and have his legs separated and his body facing forward (according to a driving direction).

Preferably, the platforms are configured to fold over the body of the scooter, adopting an arrangement according to two planes parallel to the body of the scooter, and to unfold relative to the body of the scooter, adopting an arrangement according to planes approximately perpendicular to the body of the scooter. This characteristic allows the existence of the platforms to be compatible with the achievement of an enormous degree of compactness in the folded configuration of the scooter.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the platforms comprise ribs located in correspondence with a lower surface, in use, of the platforms. These ribs make it possible to provide the platforms with great rigidity and robustness in their deployed position.

Preferably, the handlebar is connected to the first wheel (to the support of the first wheel) and to the body of the scooter through an articulated block.

The articulated block is preferably configured to allow a variation of the position and/or angle of inclination with respect to the body of the scooter by means of a mechanism comprising a push button linked to a projection and an interlocking piece.

The articulated block may comprise an angular adjustment mechanism configured to allow a rotation and/or an adjustment of the turning angle of the handlebar relative to the body of the scooter.

The handlebar may be connected to the articulated block through an articulated joint configured to allow a variation in the angle of inclination of the handlebar relative to the articulated block.

According to a possible embodiment of the folding scooter, object of the present invention, the handlebar comprises a handle configured to allow the grip and transport of the folded scooter.

Preferably, the handlebar comprises a telescopic configuration configured to allow the folding and unfolding of at least a distal section of the handlebar with respect to a proximal section of the handlebar.

According to a preferred embodiment of the foldable scooter, object of the present invention, the handle comprises two sections articulated with respect to the handlebar, where the scooter is configured to allow the sections of the handle to adopt an unfolded configuration in an arrangement substantially perpendicular to the body of the scooter, and a folded position in an arrangement parallel to the body of the scooter.

The handlebar may include a display at its distal end. This display may be used to display information to the user (for example, about the battery charge status, in the case of an electric scooter).

The design of the foldable scooter, object of the present invention, is presented as a strategic initiative to address the existing deficiencies in current models, which often lack features that optimize their adaptability to congested urban environments. The lack of compactness in some models limits their practicality in terms of storage and transport in small spaces, thus hindering their mass adoption.

For this reason, the creation of a foldable scooter has been chosen, which focuses on reducing the volume of the scooter as much as possible when it is not in use (so that it can be transported or stored in the most comfortable way possible for the user) and significantly improving the user's handling comfort (through a frontal driving position) and its ergonomics, being able to adapt to the majority of possible users (through different adjustment points that allow varying everything from the position of the feet to the height of the handlebar and its angle).

The longitudinal dimension of the folding scooter, object of the present invention, can preferably be between 55 and 65 centimetres and a height of around 30 centimetres in the folded position (not including the wheels).

The design of the folding scooter, object of the present invention, allows all the necessary components to be condensed so that it is as comfortable as possible both for its transport and for its storage. This does not make it an uncomfortable design to handle, since due to its wide adjustability, an ergonomic and natural position is achieved for the user.

The folding scooter, object of the present invention, allows the possibility of extending the wheelbase in order to maintain stability and easier handling, close to the sizes of conventional scooters. This is achieved thanks to a rear module and an inner rail that runs along the body of the scooter and allows both expansion and contraction of the same.

Another point where ergonomic adjustments can be made is the angle of inclination of the handlebars. In compact mode, it is advisable to keep this angle at zero degrees (close to the body of the vehicle) to reduce volume, but allow an angle of, for example, up to 10 degrees for a more comfortable position. This mechanism works by means of a button or push button and pins or lugs.

As for the handlebars, a telescopic mechanism with at least two sections allows the height of the handlebars to be adjusted up to a maximum height of, for example, around 120 centimetres. This allows the range of users to be expanded, making the product accessible to a wider audience.

The handle sections or fins can be folded in relation to themselves, thus preventing them from sticking out excessively and preventing the front area of the scooter from expanding when folded.

In order to reduce the space occupied by the scooter when folded, a folding mechanism for the footrest platforms, in a swing-out style, is chosen, so that when they are closed they are in a position parallel to the body of the scooter and the area of use, both in support and frontal, is reduced. This is also done for aesthetic purposes, since by means of said folding the curved parts are hidden and it promotes a completely rectangular structure, thus simulating the structure of a briefcase. Thus, in terms of the possible adjustments implemented in the scooter, there are three main forms of ergonomic adjustment (handlebar distance, handlebar height and handlebar angle) and four mobile actuation zones for folding (those mentioned above plus handlebar folding).

Brief description of the figures

A series of figures, non-limiting examples, are briefly described here, which help to better understand the invention:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of the folding scooter, object of the present invention, in a fully deployed configuration.

Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the folding scooter of Figure 1, in a fully deployed configuration.

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the folding scooter of Figure 1, in a fully folded configuration.

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the folding scooter of Figure 1, in a fully folded configuration.

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view with a detail of the lower part of the folding scooter of Figure 1, showing a comparison of the longitudinal dimension between the axles of the scooter wheels, with the rear module of the scooter fully extended or deployed (top) and with the rear module of the scooter fully retracted or folded (bottom).

Figure 6 shows a schematic side view with a detail of the lower part of the folding scooter of Figure 1, in an arrangement in which the cover or lid of the scooter body has been removed, allowing the interior of the scooter body to be observed (schematically).

Figure 7 shows a schematic bottom perspective view of a detail of the folding scooter in Figure 1, where different elements are shown that allow the deployment and retraction of the rear module of the folding scooter.

Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of a detail of the lower part of the folding scooter in Figure 1, where different elements are shown that allow the deployment and retraction of the rear module of the folding scooter.

Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of a detail of the lower part of the folding scooter in Figure 1, where different elements are shown that allow the adjustment of the position of the scooter's handlebars.

Figure 10 shows a schematic bottom perspective view according to Figure 9, where different elements that allow the adjustment of the position of the scooter handlebar are shown.

Figure 11 shows a schematic top perspective view of the folding scooter in Figure 1, showing a comparison of the position of the scooter handlebars with the scooter handlebars fully extended or deployed (left side) and with the scooter handlebars fully retracted or folded in (right side).

Figure 12 shows a schematic top perspective view of a detail of the handlebar end of the folding scooter of Figure 1, showing a comparison of the position of the scooter handlebar handle with the scooter handlebar handle fully extended or deployed (top) and with the scooter handlebar handle fully retracted or folded in (bottom).

Detailed description

A description is now given of at least one possible embodiment of the folding scooter, object of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the folding scooter, object of the present invention, comprises a body (1) to which a handlebar (7) and a rear module (13) are fixed.

The scooter comprises at least a first wheel (3) or front wheel, connected to a lower end (in use) of the handlebar (7) of the scooter, and located in correspondence with a first end or front end of the body (1) of the scooter.

The scooter also comprises a second wheel (3) or rear wheel, arranged in the rear module (13) of the scooter and located in correspondence with a second end or rear end (or rear end) of the scooter body (1).

Preferably, the scooter comprises a mudguard (11) located in correspondence with its second wheel (3) or rear wheel.

The handlebar (7) comprises at least two sections configured in a telescopic manner, such that a distal section of the handlebar (7) is capable of being introduced inside a proximal section of the handlebar (7), according to a retracted or folded configuration of the handlebar (7) (see right part of Figure 11).

Alternatively, the distal portion of the handlebar (7) may be substantially extended from the proximal portion of the handlebar (7), in an extended or deployed configuration of the handlebar (7) (see left side of Figure 11).

To fix the extended or retracted position of the handlebar (7), a locking mechanism and/or a clamp or wing piece configured to produce a pressure fit of one section of the handlebar (7) relative to another section of the handlebar (7) may be provided.

As can be seen in Figure 9 and Figure 10, the proximal end (proximal end of the proximal section) of the handlebar (7) is connected to an articulated block (18), to which the support (12) of the first wheel (3) or front wheel is also connected.

This articulated block (18) can vary its position and/or angle of inclination with respect to the body (1) of the scooter by means of a mechanism comprising a push button (19) linked to a projection and a locking piece (17), for example, a “U” shaped piece. This mechanism comprises at least one spring configured to produce an automatic locking of the projection with respect to the locking piece (17).

Likewise, the proximal end of the handlebar (7) can vary its angle of inclination with respect to the articulated block (18) by means of an articulated joint (9).

The articulated block (18) also comprises an angular adjustment mechanism (10) configured to allow a rotation and/or adjustment of the handlebar (7) with respect to the body (1) of the scooter.

The proximal section of the handlebar (7) is provided with a handle (8), which allows a user to hold the scooter and transport it in a folded position, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

As shown in Figure 5, the rear module (13) of the scooter can be contracted and present a contracted or retracted (folded) arrangement with respect to the body (1) of the scooter (see bottom of Figure 5). In this arrangement, the distance between the axles of the wheels (3) is minimal.

The rear module (13) can also be extended, presenting an unfolded or extended arrangement with respect to the body (1) of the scooter (see top of Figure 5). In this arrangement, the distance between the axles of the wheels (3) is maximum.

The extended, partially extended or retracted position of the rear module (13) with respect to the body (1) of the scooter can be chosen according to the user's will when driving the scooter, according to the position that is most comfortable for him.

When you want to completely fold the scooter for loading and/or transport, the rear module (13) is folded back to the maximum over the body (1) of the scooter.

To adjust the retracted or extended position of the rear module (13) with respect to the body (1) of the scooter, the scooter has a mechanism shown schematically in Figure 7 and Figure 8.

Thus, at the bottom of the rear module (13) of the scooter, there is a handle (2) that allows to lock or unlock at least one stud (15) (typically a plurality of studs with conical geometry) of the rear module (13) of a locking structure (16) of the body (1) of the scooter. This locking structure (16) may have a “T” shaped geometry.

The handle (2) and the at least one lug (15) are linked to the rear module (13) with the collaboration of at least one spring, configured to produce an automatic interlocking of the at least one lug (15) in the interlocking structure (16) when the user is not pulling the handle (2).

In order to move the rear module (13) of the scooter between its retracted position and its deployed or extended position, the body (1) of the scooter comprises a rail or guide, configured to guide the rear module (13), allowing only a linear relative displacement movement, according to a longitudinal direction of the body (1) of the scooter, between the rear module (13) and the body (1) of the scooter.

Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the interior of the body (1) of the scooter, where, in correspondence with the highest area or "hump area" of the body (1), the electronics block (14) can be observed, configured to house all the electrical and/or electronic devices necessary for driving the scooter (in the case of an electric scooter).

Finally, as schematically shown in Figure 12, the scooter comprises a handle (5) connected to the distal end (distal end of the distal section) of the handlebar (7). The handle (5) preferably comprises two sections configured to be grasped by the user's hands.

The handle (5) can be adopted in an extended configuration (see top of Figure 12) indicated for driving the scooter.

The handle can also adopt a folded configuration (see bottom of Figure 12) indicated for folding the scooter so that it takes up a minimum amount of space (see Figure 3 and Figure 4), this folding configuration being ideal for storing and/or transporting the scooter.

The distal end of the handlebar (7) may also comprise a display (6) configured to show indications to the user (for example, about the battery charge status), and/or so that the user can configure some configurable parameter of the scooter (in the case of a touch screen).

The rear module (13) of the scooter comprises platforms (4) configured to support the user's feet, these platforms (4) allowing the user to drive the scooter with his body facing forward, instead of the conventional driving position of most scooters that forces users to drive the scooter with their body turned with respect to the driving direction.

The platforms (4) are configured to fold over the body (1) of the scooter in the folded configuration of the scooter, adopting an arrangement according to respective planes parallel to the body (1) of the scooter.

In the deployed configuration of the scooter (driving configuration), the platforms (4) are deployed with respect to the body (1) of the scooter, adopting an arrangement according to planes approximately perpendicular to the body (1) of the scooter.

In order to allow good stability and robustness of the platforms (4) in the deployed state, the platforms (4) comprise ribs located in correspondence with the lower surface (in use or in driving configuration) of the platforms (4).

Claims (12)

1. A foldable scooter comprising a body (1) and a handlebar (7), where the handlebar (7) is connected to the body (1) of the scooter in correspondence with a proximal end of the handlebar (7), and where the handlebar (7) comprises a handle (5) in correspondence with a distal end of the handlebar (7), where the scooter comprises a first wheel (3) arranged in correspondence with the proximal end of the handlebar (7), where the scooter is characterized in that it comprises a rear module (13), where the rear module (13) comprises a second wheel (3) of the scooter, where the rear module (13) is configured to move along a rail of the body (1) of the scooter, according to a longitudinal direction of the body of the scooter, between a retracted arrangement with respect to the body (1) of the scooter and an extended arrangement with respect to the body (1) of the scooter, where the distance between the axes of the wheels (3) is minimal in the retracted arrangement of the rear module (13) and ... the wheels (3) is maximum in the extended arrangement of the rear module (13) with respect to the body (1) of the scooter, and where the rear module (13) comprises lateral platforms (4) configured to support the user's feet. 2. Foldable scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear module (13) of the scooter comprises a handle (2) configured to lock or unlock at least one stud (15) arranged in the rear module (13) of an interlocking structure (16) of the body (1) of the scooter. 3. Foldable scooter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the platforms (4) are configured to fold over the body (1) of the scooter, adopting an arrangement according to respective planes parallel to the body (1) of the scooter, and to unfold with respect to the body (1) of the scooter, adopting an arrangement according to planes approximately perpendicular to the body (1) of the scooter. 4. Folding scooter according to claim 3, characterized in that the platforms (4) comprise ribs located in correspondence with a lower surface, in use, of the platforms (4). 5. Folding scooter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handlebar (7) is connected to the first wheel (3) and to the body (1) of the scooter through an articulated block (18). 6. Foldable scooter according to claim 5, characterized in that the articulated block (18) is configured to allow a variation of the position and/or angle of inclination with respect to the body (1) of the scooter by means of a mechanism comprising a push button (19) linked to a projection and an interlocking piece (17). 7. Foldable scooter according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the articulated block (18) comprises an angular adjustment mechanism (10) configured to allow a rotation and/or an adjustment of the turning angle of the handlebar (7) with respect to the body (1) of the scooter. 8. Foldable scooter according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the handlebar (7) is connected to the articulated block (18) through an articulated joint (9) configured to allow a variation in the angle of inclination of the handlebar (7) with respect to the articulated block (18). 9. Folding scooter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handlebar (7) comprises a handle (8) configured to allow the grip and transport of the folded scooter. 10. Foldable scooter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handlebar (7) comprises a telescopic configuration configured to allow the folding and unfolding of at least one distal section of the handlebar (7) with respect to a proximal section of the handlebar (7). 11. Foldable scooter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (5) comprises two sections articulated with respect to the handlebar (7), where the scooter is configured to allow the sections of the handle (5) to adopt an unfolded configuration in an arrangement substantially perpendicular to the body (1) of the scooter, and a retracted position in an arrangement parallel to the body (1) of the scooter. 12. Folding scooter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handlebar (7) comprises a screen (6) in correspondence with its distal end.